iPhone 12 vs iPhone 7
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone 7
Starting at
£66.24£179.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 7?
iPhone 12 vs 7 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 7 starts at £66.24, £103.76 less than the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7.
- The iPhone 12 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 12 has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 1960 mAh.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 7 specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 7 differ in several key areas that suit different users. It also has a higher battery capacity and a dual SIM option with eSIM. The iPhone 7 has a smaller screen and performance suitable for everyday use, especially if you prefer physical SIM cards. Both phones share the same main camera resolution but differ in front camera quality. Your choice depends on whether you want newer features and performance or a simpler device for basic tasks.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 7 price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 7 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and basic physical traits.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery which provides more power for longer use between charges. The iPhone 7 has a 1960 mAh battery making it better suited for lighter daily tasks or shorter use periods. If battery life is important for your routine, the iPhone 12 offers an advantage.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 7 performance
Performance is about how fast the phone runs apps and handles multitasking. It depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options available.
Chipset Technology
The iPhone 12 uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process. This provides efficient and smooth performance for demanding apps and multitasking. The iPhone 7 has the Apple A10 Fusion chipset on a 16 nm process which suits everyday tasks well but is less advanced. If you use apps that require more power, the iPhone 12 is more capable.
Memory Size
The iPhone 12 has 4 GB of RAM allowing it to keep more apps open in the background and switch between them smoothly. The iPhone 7 has 2 GB of RAM which is enough for simpler use and fewer apps running simultaneously. If you multitask frequently, the iPhone 12 offers a better experience.
Storage Availability
The iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options giving more room for apps, photos, and files. The iPhone 7 is available with 32GB or 128GB suitable for everyday use but with fewer large storage options. If you store many files or apps, the iPhone 12 provides more flexibility.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 7 screen
Screen quality affects how clear and spacious the display is for watching videos, browsing, and reading. Both have the same 60 Hz refresh rate but differ in size, resolution, and technology.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch screen offering a larger viewing area that suits watching videos and multitasking. The iPhone 7 has a smaller 4.7 inch screen which is easier to hold and use with one hand. Your preference for screen size will guide your choice.
Screen Resolution
The iPhone 12 features a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels providing sharper and more detailed images. The iPhone 7 has a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels which is suitable for everyday viewing but less crisp. Higher resolution benefits those who value image clarity.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 12 uses Super Retina XDR OLED known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 7 uses Retina IPS LCD which offers accurate colours and good brightness. If you prefer a screen with richer contrast and colour depth, the iPhone 12 is the better option.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 7 camera
Audiovisual features include front and main cameras. These affect photo quality and video calls.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 has a 12 megapixel front camera capturing more detail for selfies and video calls. The iPhone 7 has a 7 megapixel front camera suitable for basic selfies and calls. If clearer front camera photos are important, the iPhone 12 offers an advantage.
Main Camera Resolution
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera so they capture photos at the same resolution. This means both are capable of similar detail levels for general photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 7 size and design
Miscellaneous features include network compatibility, physical size, SIM options, and weight. These affect connectivity, handling, and usability.
Network Compatibility
The iPhone 12 supports 5G networks providing access to faster mobile internet where available. The iPhone 7 supports 4G networks which are widely available and offer reliable speeds. If you want the fastest mobile data speeds, the iPhone 12 suits you.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM allowing dual SIM use for managing work and personal numbers or travel. The iPhone 7 supports a physical SIM only which is simpler if you use just one number.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 measures 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and 7.4 mm deep, weighing 164 g. The iPhone 7 is smaller at 138.3 mm tall, 67.1 mm wide, and 7.1 mm deep, weighing 138 g. The iPhone 7 is easier to hold one-handed and lighter to carry, while the iPhone 12 offers a larger screen in a slightly bigger body.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone 7: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2815 mAh vs 1960 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 7 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £66.24, £103.76 less than the iPhone 12
- you want a lighter build (138 g vs 162 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 often highlight how it looks like new and performs smoothly. They appreciate the clean glass, perfect frame, and lack of scratches or dents. Many mention the phone runs apps instantly with the A14 Bionic chip and handles multitasking well. Battery life feels like new, especially when a new battery is included. Customers also like that the iPhone 12 comes updated to the latest iOS and includes extras like screen protectors and cases. The larger screen and 5G connectivity fit a range of uses, from social media to photo editing.
Buyers of the iPhone 7 find it a good simple phone for daily use like calls and texts. They note the device often looks like new and runs smoothly for basic tasks. The physical SIM card makes swapping easy. Battery life is generally described as good for everyday use. Some users mention minor scratches but say these are not very noticeable. The phone suits those who want a straightforward device without complex features.
Overall, the iPhone 12 appeals to those wanting more power, a bigger and sharper screen, and newer software. The iPhone 7 suits those looking for a smaller, lighter phone for everyday use with simpler needs.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 7 FAQs
iPhone 12 vs 7 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7. The iPhone 12 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 7 is cheaper refurbished, from £66.24 compared with £170 for the iPhone 12.
The iPhone 12 has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 1960 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone 7 ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
The iPhone 12 adds more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (2815 mAh vs 1960 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £103.76 more (from £170 vs £66.24).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 7 in 32GB and 128GB.
